This section outlines aspects of a structured self-learning on-campus course and provides detailed information of what’s required to succeed. Click on the links below to access any area for more information.
Attendance & Withdrawal
Attendance
Math Center students have the option of attending any day and time the Math Center is open.
The minimum weekly on campus attendance requirement during the Spring and Fall semesters is:
- Math 38 required on campus attendance is 3 hours per week.
- Math 46 & 96 required on campus attendance is 4 hours per week.
Students are also required to meet or exceed progress deadlines. A suggested schedule is posted to complete 5 midterm exams and the final in one semester. A schedule with the required deadline dates to complete a minimum of 3 midterm exams is also posted. The deadline dates depend on the date you register for the course.
Each student is expected to spend time studying at home and in the Math Center. Of course, if you spend more time in the Math Center, you will not need to spend as many hours at home studying math. These total overall hours for students are posted on the bulletin board.
- Math 38 required commitment is 12 hrs per week: 3 hrs in the Math Center plus 9 hrs of additional study.
- Math 46 required commitment is 15 hrs per week: 4 hrs in the Math Center plus 11 hrs of additional study.
- Math 96 required commitment is 15 hrs per week: 4 hrs in the Math Center plus 11 hrs of additional study.
If the total minimum commitment of hours seems like a lot of time, keep in mind that self-learning tends to take more time. You learn better, but it takes more time. As long as you attend the minimum weekly hours, you have some flexibility in the pace at which you complete each chapter. The only limitation is that you must complete a the first three midterm exams by specific dates. The deadline dates are determined by the date you register for the course. The course must be completed by the end date noted in the Current Semester Reference Sheet and posted online in Math Center Orientation.
Withdrawal
Students may be dropped or withdrawn from the Math Center course for lack of attendance or progress. Attendance is checked every two weeks. If you do not meet your required minimum attendance by the attendance check, you are placed on attendance probation. If you have two consecutive probations or three total non-consecutive probations, you will be withdrawn from the course. If you are withdrawn for lack of attendance, your scores for all assessments are deleted. If you are reinstated, you must start from the beginning of the course.
If you do not complete the first Midterm (pass with 70% or more or complete 3 attempts), you are placed on progress probation. If you do not complete midterms 1 and 2 by the second deadline, you will be withdrawn from the course. If you are withdrawn for lack of progress, you will not be reinstated in the course.
If you wish to withdraw from the course, make sure you do so before the withdrawal deadline, or you will receive a grade for the course. The withdrawal deadline is in January for a course starting in the Fall semester. The withdrawal deadline is in July for a course starting in the Spring semester. Check the Current Semester Reference sheet for the withdrawal deadline.
It is the students responsibility to withdraw from the class before the withdrawal deadline. If you not withdraw by the withdrawal deadline, you must receive a letter grade. The Vice President of Students will not issue late withdrawals.
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Cheating Policy
If a student is found cheating on a practice test or chapter test, (this includes practice final and the final) they will receive a grade of “F” for that chapter, and the test cannot be repeated. If the student cheats for a second time, they will be asked to leave the Math Center and will receive a grade of “F” for the course.
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Check-In & Check-Out
You must check-in and check-out every time you enter or leave the Math Center. (yes, even for a quick breath of fresh air, to use the restroom, to make or take a phone call, or take a break)
- You will be assigned a Math Center ID number.
- It is important that you give the staff at the Check-in/out station your CSID card with your Math center ID number each time you enter and leave the Math Center, so we have an accurate account of your attendance.
- Make sure you check out at the check-in/out station. You will not receive any credit for your time in the Math Center, if you leave without checking out. You will be responsible to make up all the time that you do not get credit for due to not checking in or out correctly. Checking materials in or finishing a test does not automatically check you out.
- Check the monitor to make sure you are checked in/out properly. If the staff makes an error or something does not look right, see the supervisor immediately. You will not be given any credit for your time that day, if the error is not taken care of immediately or by the end of the same day.
- Be sure to check in every time you come into the Math Center. Attendance requirements begin the following week after you have completed the "Getting Started Workshop".
- Student must check out by 6:00PM or 3:00PM (on Friday) or they will lose their hours if they try to log out after 6:00PM or 3:00PM.
Note: You must have your current CSID card with you to use the Math Center (to check-in/check-out).
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Classroom Policies
The Math Center has policies and rules that students need to follow to assure a comfortable and supportive study environment. Please familiarize yourself with these policies and follow them when in the Math Center. It is your responsibility to stay informed of announcements posted on the bulletin board (the bulletin board is located on the wall past the supervisor’s desk). Announcements of workshops, policy and procedure changes, schedule changes, etc. will be posted, so check the bulletin board each day you enter the Math Center.
- No Food, Snacks or Drinks are allowed in the Math Center. (Only unflavored water in a screw top clear water bottle. No water bottles in computer areas. No other beverage or beverage containers are allowed.)
- Children are not allowed in the Math Center.
- No visitors in the Math Center without permission from the supervisor.
- No unnecessary talking or noise is allowed in the Math Center. The Math Center is a quiet study area. Please be considerate of your fellow students.
- The Math Center is a quiet self-study environment.
- The Math Center is a fragrance free, chemical free, allergen sensitive area. Please be considerate of your fellow students. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, etc. or fragrance lotions/powders in the Math Center.
- No cell phones or pagers. Turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering the Math Center. You must check-out to use cell phones. If you are using a cell phone step away from the Math Center door & windows.
- Do not remove any Math Center materials (i.e.: books, calculators, video tapes) from the Math Center.
- Do not leave books, calculators and personal belongings unattended. Keep them with you when you are in the Math Center. The Math Center is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
- Each student is responsible for Math Center materials they have checked out, do not leave them unattended. If Math Center materials are lost or stolen, the student who checked the item out is responsible for replacement.
- No personal calculators, books, notes, electronic devices or talking in the testing area. You can use the built-in calculator on the test screen for computer tests or check one out for paper tests. No calculators on the final.
- No headphones, cell phones or other electronic devices in the testing area.
- No visitors, no waiting in the testing area.
- If you step out for a break, no smoking or loud talking in front of the Math Center doors and windows.
- Bring your book and calculator with you every time you use the Math Center.
- Please do not write on computer screens, tables, or any other Math Center equipment.
- Time spent in the Math Center is to be used for Math Center courses (i.e. working from your textbook, Math Center videos, computer tutorials, using Math Center resources) You may not work on homework from other classes.
- No student diskettes or CD-ROMs are allowed in any Math Center computers at any time. Math Center computers are to be used for Math Center resources only. Students may not run any other programs, go into folders, use any other software, or do anything else on the computers. Students who violate this policy may be restricted from using the Math Center.
- Please be courteous when using headphones in the Math Center. Keep the volume at a personal level that can not be heard by other students.
- Math Center policies and procedures are subject to change. Changes will be posted in the Math Center. If you have any questions about the Math Center or policies, ask any staff member or the Supervisor.
We have made a commitment to provide students with a comfortable and supportive study environment. If you have a problem, complaint, or situation that you feel needs to be addressed, please see a Supervisor.
Student Conduct:
The S.D. catalog states that 'No student may interfere with a student's opportunity to learn.' You may be dropped from the class if you exhibit behavior that prohibits or impedes any member of the class from pursuing any class assignment objective or learning opportunity within the classroom.
Lost and Found:
Any personal items found in the Math Center should be turned into the supervisor. If you have lost an item in the Math Center please check with the supervisor.
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Course Requirements
Have a current CSID (SDCCD College Student Identification) card
Students must have a CSID card to use the Math Center, to take any Math Center exams, receive a Math Center ID number, and to obtain an add code. To earn a passing grade in an on-campus Math Center course, students must:
- Take all chapter and midterm exams
- Attend at least five workshops (or watch the workshop videos)
- Complete the final exam with a minimum passing score.
Note: Students must pass the final exam with a minimum of 36 out of 60 correct to pass the Math Center course. Refer to your Student Handbook.
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Courses Offered
- Math 38 - PreAlgebra - 4 units
- Math 46 - Elementary Algebra & Geometry - 5 units
- Math 96 - Intermediate Algebra & Geometry - 5 units
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Financial Aid
Math Center courses span more than one semester, but the units are only credited toward the semester that you start the course. Financial aid students are strongly encouraged to finish the course in one semester. Otherwise, in order to maintain benefits, students will end up taking a full load (12 units) in the second semester in addition to finishing the extended-time Math course.
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How to Approach a Self-learning course
Although the on-campus self-learning courses offer marvelous flexibility in access, scheduling and pacing, many well-intentioned students find that they are not prepared for the demands of these formats. Success in an self-learning course requires strong doses of the following personal characteristics:
Self-Motivation
You must be highly motivated and able to learn on your own to succeed in this course. Otherwise, you may find yourself attending less and not accomplishing your math goals.
Self-Discipline
It takes a lot of self-discipline to attend regularly when you are given so much flexibility. It takes a disciplined student to set up a regular schedule and stick to that schedule.
Good Time-Management Skills
It requires a great deal of time-management skill for most students to find consistent time each week in their busy schedules for studying math. You may have to give up or cut back on some social or recreational activities, hire a baby-sitter, get help from your friends and family, or simply be more tenacious about setting a schedule and sticking to it. If you are determined to finish this course in one semester, you need to find a way to make it happen.
Good Reading Skills
A self-learning course puts a heavy demand on your reading and comprehension skills. A large portion of your learning will come from reading the learning activities, working practice problems, watching online videos, making bullet point outlines and other notes in your class notebook, and taking assessments online.
Solid Internet connection and functional computer
Since much of the learning materials are delivered online, it is strongly suggested that you maintain a functional computer and obtain reliable online access. Relying solely on access to Math Center computers will not likely meet your needs.
Self-learning courses are not for everyone. If any of these skills are not already part of your personal strengths, then you should consider taking the course in a lecture format or coming back when you are better prepared. On the other hand, if you do have these skills and you are ready for a challenge, then read on.
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How to Enroll in your Math Center course
Click here to see Registration process for On-campus self-paced process.
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Learning Resources
he Math Center provides an integrated learning environment based on a common set of objectives for each course. Each student is encouraged to try out all the learning resources available in the online learning resources to discover those that best fit their learning style and needs. The video lessons are well suited for visual and auditory learners. Computer tutorials ("help me solve the problem" or "show me an example") are available for those who want drill and practice on their problem-solving techniques. There are in-class tutors available for those who need answers to specific questions. There are also video workshops available for various topics such as: coping with math anxiety, word problems, organizational skills, and math-related careers, among others.
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Mastery Learning
The Math Center courses are based on mastery learning. A student must score at lest 70% on all chapter tests before moving on, and you can retake chapter tests to improve the score. When the student feels they have mastered a topic, they can move onto the next subject. If they feel a certain section is easy, they can finish and move on right away.
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Math Center Final
The Math Center final may be taken after a student has completed all chapter tests, midterm exams, and workshops.
A student does not need to wait until the end of the semester to take the final. Students are allowed to take the Math Center final as soon as the required test, exams, and workshops have been completed.
- The final may only be taken once. Students must pass the Math Center department final with 36 out of 60 questions correct to pass the class.
- Students are allowed 120 minutes for the final. It is the students responsibility to make sure they do not exceed the time allowed for the final.
- No calculators are allowed on the final.
- All finals must be taken on paper. Finals are not available on the computers.
- All finals must be printed. Allow a minimum of two days for the final exam to be prepared.
- Practice finals can be taken on the computer or paper upon student request.
- The practice final is optional, however, it is highly recommended. Students must take all chapter tests, midterm exams, and workshops prior to taking a pratice final or the final.
- Students must see the supervisor to request the practice final and the final.
Open-Entry
The Math Center offers open-entry, open exit math courses. “Open-entry” means students can add the class several weeks into the semester, well after the add deadline for full semester courses. Thus, students that are unable to add a traditional lecture or online course because it is past the add deadline or the class is full may still be able to add a Math Center course. Add code availability depends on space and staffing.
The Math Center classes are also open-exit, meaning that the students are done with the course as soon as they complete the final exam. The drop and withdrawal deadlines are extended well after the deadlines for the regular semester. Also, the Math Center end/final dates are not the same as the end of the regular semester.
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Pass/No Pass
If you submit a petition to the Admissions office for a pass/no pass grade before the deadline listed in the schedule of classes, the letter grade you receive will be converted to a pass or no pass grade. See the City College Catalog for more information on pass/no pass grades.
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Prerequisites
To Enter a Math Center course, students must have the appropriate math placement score: M20 for Math 38, M30 for Math 46, and M40 for Math 96.
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Refunds
Refund Policy for Registration Fee:
The deadline to drop and be eligible for refund of enrollment fees and/or nonresident tuition is available in the deadline table on the main programs page and for each course in the online district class schedule (click the Details icon).
Refund Policy for Text Purchase:
The bookstore will give a refund during the first 2 weeks of the semester. After the first 2 weeks of the semester, the student has 2 days to return the textbook. In both cases, the shrink wrap must not be broken and the student must have the original receipt.
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Required Course Materials
Purchase of one of the specified bundles is required to take a class in the Math Center.
- Textbook Bundle: Includes a soft cover, 3-hole punch textbook, MyMathLab access code, video CD's, solution manual and Math Study skills book.
- Worksheet Bundle: Includes MyMathLab access code, worksheet booklet, and a Math Study skills book.
- MyMathLab Bundle: Includes MyMathLab access code and a Math Study skills book. (a good option, if you are comfortable learning online and don't need a physical textbook)
When purchasing required materials, keep in mind that you will be required to come to class prepared to do math with or without a computer. We recommend that you purchase of the textbook bundle, that way you have all the materials you need to study anywhere anytime. Students who opt not to purchase the textbook will need to print out the section and homework they are working on prior to coming to class, so they have something to work on while in the Math Center or waiting for a computer.
Math 38:
Prealgebra, 3rd edition, Carson (purchase only one of the following bundles)
- Textbook bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-34948-6 $111.75
- Worksheet bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-37114-2 $96.70
- MyMathLab bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-54444-7 $97.20
Scientific calculator (recommended for homework); Protractor (required); Graphing Paper (recommended)
Math 46 and/or 96:
Custom Edition Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th edition, Martin-Gay with geometry chapter from Thinking Mathematically, 4th edition, Blitzer (purchase only one of the following bundles)
- Textbook bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-34949-3 $117.35
- Worksheet bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-37115-9 $96.70
- MyMathLab bundle, ISBN 13: 978-0-558-54444-7 $97.20
Scientific calculator (recommended for homework); Protractor (required); Graphing Paper (recommended)
You may be able to find these texts at KB Books, online or other off campus bookstores.
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The self-learning aspect of Math Center courses means that a student learns the material primarily from the textbook and the online learning resources with occasional help from an in-class tutor. Students can take more time on one topic and less on others, as long as they stay ahead of the midterm exam deadlines. In conventional classes, there is a fixed time frame for each chapter and students who do poorly in the chapter are forced to move onto the next chapter before building a proper foundation. In the Math Center, students have some flexibility in setting the pace. You can finish the course in a few weeks, or extend it into another semester if you need extra time. For students with math anxiety, or those who find math challenging, the extra time gives them a fighting chance to complete a course that would otherwise be unattainable. For example, a student who enrolls in a Math Center course in February will have until early December to finish the course.
There are two time constraints in the self-learning courses regardless of when you add the class during the semester;. One - you must meet or exceed the midterm exam deadlines (based on the date you added the course). Two - You must complete all chapter tests, midterm exams, workshops, and the final exam prior to the end date of the course. See the {table} above for course start and end dates.]
No incomplete grades are issued except in rare circumstances.
The self-learning nature of the Math Center is also a boon for students who excel in math or just need a refresher. It provides an opportunity for these students to finish their math requirements quickly. Some students complete two classes in one semester.
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If you receive services from the Disabled Student Services office and need special assistance, have DSPS forward the verification form to the Math Center and discuss your needs with the Supervisor. The Math Center has facilities to accommodate students with special needs such as wheelchair access and learning disabilities. Special software for sight-impaired students is also available.
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Step-by-step learning Process
- Skim the text and write a bullet point outline of each section in your class notebook before study.
- Watch the section video and take notes.
- Read the section and practice the examples for each section in your book.
- Do the suggested homework for each section. For most students, homework is the critical component to passing the course. The more practice problems you do, the more it transfers the learning into long term memory so that you can recall it quickly during the timed cumulative final exam. on the computer in course compass, obtain a score of 70% or better for each homework assignment.
- Move onto the next section and repeat the steps one through four until you complete the chapter.
- When you have completed the chapter, do the study plan for that chapter. Click the “study plan” button on the left side bar in the online course. Select the chapter, select the sections highlighted in blue and do the problems. The study plan is an excellent way to review the chapter and prepare for the exam.
- Take the chapter exam online. Minimum of 70% to pass, and you can repeat the test.
- Repeat the above steps until you have completed the required chapters to take the next midterm exam. Refer to the class outline for exam intervals.
- When you are ready to take a midterm exam, go to the front counter, and sign up to take the exam. You must pass the midterm with a score of 70% or higher (or make 3 attempts) to move on.
- Repeat all steps until you have completed the tests and exams.
- During the course, complete at least 5 workshops. The require Getting Started workshop counts as one of the workshops.
- Take the practice final.
- Take the final.
- Remember that you must pass the departmental final exam with 60% or higher to pass the course. So, all your study efforts should be directed toward long-term learning.
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Syllabus
Math 38
Math 46
Math 96
Student's Hand Book
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Testing & Cheating Policies
Chapter test are taken online.
The following policies apply to all on-campus midterm exams and final exams
- You must pass each midterm exam with 14 (70%) or better, before you can move on. However, you will be given three opportunities to pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam on the third try, the highest score of the three tries will be recorded and you will need to move on. Homework will be assigned and checked before the third attempt.
- You may retake a midterm exam to improve your score up to three total attempts.
- The midterm exams count toward your grade
- Allow yourself ample time for each exam (If you go over the allowable time, you will receive a zero for that attempt and it will count as one of the three attempts)
- Math 38 You are allowed 50 minutes
- Math 46 You are allowed 60 minutes
- Math 96 You are allowed 70 minutes
- No calculators in the testing area, if you need a calculator during the exam, click on the “calc” button.
- No talking in the testing area. No Exceptions. If you have a question or a problem arises while you are taking a test have a staff member from up front help you. If you need to speak with a supervisor during a test, please ask a staff member to get the supervisor. Do not leave the testing area.
- You must complete your test in one sitting. Do not leave the testing area before you complete the test. If you have a question ask the testing station lab aide to assist you. If you leave the testing area before completing an exam, you will not be allowed to finish it. Your exam will be scored at the time you leave.
- As soon as you click on Submit, the results of your exam and a complete diagnostic are displayed. You will have an opportunity to view your completed exam after you click Submit. If you have a pay-to-print card, you can print out the completed exam for review.
- Exams are taken in sequential order (1, 2, 3, etc.), so no skipping of chapters. Your score must be entered in the computer before you will be allowed to take another test. If you take the exam on paper you will need to wait until it is corrected and the score is in the computer before you can move on.
- Exams may be taken on paper. See the supervisor to fill out the paper test request form. (All paper exam request forms take a minimum of two days to process. Which means you will not be able to take the paper exam right away.)
- If there seems to be a problem with a question on an exam, for example there is no correct answer or more than one correct answer, raise your hand or ask the staff person to come to your testing computer.
- Do not begin any exam until you are ready to take it. Once the exam is open you will receive a grade even if you open the exam in error and quit immediately. Verify that you are taking the correct exam before taking it.
- All testing stations close one hour and fifteen minutes (two hours and fifteen minutes for finals) before Math Center closing. Testing stations include paper exams as well as computer exams. If a student is taking a exam they can finish the test, however students may not begin a new exam. All tests must be completed a minimum of 10 minutes before closing.
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Testing Procedures
Sign up at the front desk. Print your name, Math Center ID, course number (i.e. 38, 46, or 96), and the exam you wish to take on the exam sign up sheet.
- Your name will be called when a testing computer becomes available. When your name is called return to the front desk. Give the staff your student ID, backpack, books, etc.
- Take your pen/pencil, and Math Center scratch paper to the assigned testing computer. (Handbags/Purses/Wallets must be placed on the floor or in your backpack, only Scratch paper and pen/pencil are allowed at the testing computer. Please no water bottles, food, snacks or other beverage in the testing area.)
- Verify the title of the exam before starting, make sure the information is correct. If it is not the correct exam, go back to the front desk and ask the staff for help.
- Reference your Student Handbook for complete step by step instructions for exam procedures.
You must receive a minimum score of 14 (70%) or better to pass the exam. If your score is 13 or less study the sections you are weak in. When you are ready, sign up to take the exam over.
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Veterans
The Veterans Administration will not pay for any self-learning courses due to the extended time frame. You are still welcome to take the course, but you'll have to pay for it yourself.
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Who can benefit from the Math Center?
- Students who would normally have to drop because of schedule problems.
- Students who cannot enter a lecture or online course.
- Students who want more time to absorb the material.
- Students who want to finish quickly.
- Students who do not do well in a lecture format.
- Students who are self-disciplined and can keep their own schedule.
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Workshops
Workshops focus on a variety of topics including getting started, dealing with math anxiety, improving study skills, applications of math in various vocations, word problems, fractions, etc. You are required to attend at least five one hour workshops. The time spent in the workshops counts toward your attendance. If you can't attend a live workshops or there are none scheduled, you can watch them on video. Workshops videos may be checked out for use in the Math Center from the Materials Check-out area at the front counter. Workshops videos are different from the videos that are keyed to the book; workshops videos have a bright orange dot designate the difference. Students will not be given workshops credit for videos that are keyed to the book.
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